Life as a Writer - Summer 2026

The view of the mountains of Türkiye in summer outside my window.

Hi there! Welcome to my summer of dealing with thyroid medication that isn't working like it should! My writing is at a standstill unfortunately as my brain feels as if it is in a long dark tunnel most of the time. Two more (!) months before the next blood test. Ugh. Hope your summer is going much better.

Today we're adding a small air conditioning unit to my office area. Our AC guy just told us that he sold 100,000 air conditioner units this week to somewhere in France. I can definitely relate after following the news over the last few weeks, even though the weather in Türkiye this time of year is spectacular.

Books for Free!

I hate newsletters that get sent every week / month / quarter that offer me nothing and aren't very interesting. I'll send you a newsletter only when there is something beneficial in it for you, such as this month's notice.

If you've read Forever Gone, then you're ready for the next installment. In August, I have two giveaways on the schedule: the Book Funnel Giveaway and the Goodreads Giveaway, both scheduled for August 1 to 31 for Malevolent Intent. This is the second book in the Lee Danforth Suspense Series set again in Charleston, South Carolina. Not for cosy mystery readers – this is a true thriller with drugs, graft, small town politics, and yep, alligators.

I'll send out the August newsletter on the 1st so you can quickly sign up for either or both. If you've read my books, I'd love it if you'd forward this email to a friend or family member who might also be a thriller reader. It's you guys who really make a difference in my world.

An image of the book cover for Malevolent Intent, A Lee Danforth Suspense Novel.

So what are these giveaways? A scam?

Nope, not a scam. The books are real and are definitely free. I never know how many of you have read my books, and by signing up for my newsletter (or Substack, or the other places where I write) you should have first shot at anything that is free. Your word of mouth and your honest review on Goodreads, Amazon, Apple, Google, Spotify, Author's Republic, Curios, and everywhere else my books are sold is what makes my books sell even more. People's opinions, and yours especially, count for a lot. Ok, you say, but what are they?

Goodreads Giveaways are where the author gives a certain number of copies of a book away for free. Thousands of people sign up for a chance to win the book. If Goodreads is your place, mark your calendar for August 1 to get a chance for a free book. Here's a link for Malevolent Intent so you'll know where to go.

Book Funnel has promotions as well where authors all join in together to promote books that are similar in genre. For my first one, I've joined "Hunting the Truth" where I will be included with other thriller authors to promote their books. If you like thrillers, check out the QR code below with your phone. I'll send the open link August 1.

Travels

Its about to get hot here, and when it does for those two or three miserable weeks, we travel. One of our first stops is Thessaloniki, Greece and I've been watching the wildfires just outside that city as well as across Spain and France. When I looked up the fires in the US, I found more than what I expected. As of July 7, there were 36 large fires active across the country. I'm now afraid to look at Australia and beyond.

Housekeeping Notes:

Yes, you are on my mailing list. I did not simply pluck you out of the ether. Either you have subscribed to Istanbul to Miami for travel or writing posts on Substack, subscribed through my website, RSHamptonBooks.com, are an ARC reader through Book Funnel, Net Galley, or Book Sirens, worked with marketing genies Emily or Heather, or somehow found your way here and decided you liked it. Thanks. I appreciate your support.

That's It for June (yeah, I know I'm late...) I'll send the free book links later this month when they are available.

Have a great July!!